130 THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



founded prosperous businesses. Two of the most 

 flourishing firms of market gardeners in the Midlands 

 have followed it for two generations with exceptional 

 advantage. In one case over 400 acres are under the 

 closest cultivation, and not only do the members of the 

 firm sell the whole of this produce, but they also act as 

 agents for many others. Thus two departments are 

 utilised in the support of their business. 



One notable difficulty must be indicated, namely, that 

 rarely can more than one or two markets be utilised in 

 this manner : whereas, when consigning to other sales- 

 men, the choice of a market need only be regulated by the 

 existing demand for the goods offered. This is in a 

 large measure overcome if a first-class centre is selected, 

 as when a reputation has been gained, telephonic or 

 telegraphic orders from widely separated towns can be 

 dealt with as promptly as if consigning to the respective 

 local markets. 



Supplying Retailers. — A good connection amongst shop- 

 keepers will render substantial help to any market- 

 grower, but it is of the greatest value to those in a 

 small way, or at the commencement of their experience. 

 It is then especially important to reduce expenses and 

 intermediate profits to the lowest level, and dealing 

 direct with the retailers is one convenient way of accom- 

 plishing this object. The method can be carried out 

 to the fullest advantage where proximity to a town 

 permits the conveyance of produce by road; but that 

 necessarily provides only for moderate amounts of 

 goods, and as the supplies increase, conveyance by rail 

 must be relied upon for extension. The opportunities 

 for developing a large trade in such a method must 

 always be limited, but it is surprising that more is not 

 done in this way in populous cities. In the Metropolis, 

 for example, it is by no means uncommon to find green- 

 grocers and fruiterers purchasing produce in the markets 



